Congratulations to the Edmonton Oil Kings! They are heading off to Shawinigan, Quebec to play for the Memorial Cup. It is a great tourney with four strong teams.

My first year in Kamloops we went to Laval, Quebec to play against North Bay, Chicoutimi and Laval for the Championship. It was a very intense tournament that many expected to be won by a team from the QMJL. Both had very strong goalies, Manny Fernandez in Laval and Eric Fichaud in Chicoutimi.

We knew we had a strong team and felt this was our tourney to win. Don Hay was our coach and he was a great motivator. Instead of his usual fire up type speech he took a different approach a day before our first game.

He gathered us all in the dressing room and held up a stick with white tape down one side. He explained we would each write the name of who we were playing for on the stick and explain why we chose that person.

I have never been involved in a more emotional team bonding experience.

As each player, coach and trainer took turns with the stick, I felt our team becoming closer and closer. There was no way we would lose the cup. Even now, many years later I still remember that feeling.

We blew through the tourney and were crowned champions! Winning a Championship brings a group of people together and unites them forever. Even if I haven't seen some of the guys for years that bond remains strong.

I hope the Oil Kings experience that bond.

Recently by Jason Strudwick

Jason hosts the Jason Strudwick show from 9pm to 12am, weeknights on the team 1260. He is an instructor at Mount Carmel Hockey Academy and loves working with the kids. Having played over 650 games in the NHL, Jason has some great stories and unique takes on life in the NHL. He loves Slurpees and Blizzards. Dislikes baggy clothes and close talkers.

Struds some great tilts with The Chris Murray taking on the QMJ and the OHLs tough guys on in toe to toe tilts .3 Memorial Cup Championships in 4 years without a doubt the greatest junior dynasty in history!!!!